What is the crucial first step recommended for safely capturing the Sun with a DSLR or mirrorless camera?
Answer
Using a high-quality Neutral Density (ND) filter rated for solar observation.
For dedicated cameras, the first step must be protection against the intense light. This is achieved by attaching a certified solar viewing ND filter (often ND-3.0 or higher) to drastically reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor before adjusting electronic settings.

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How to Photograph the Sun Safely - YouTube
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